The Best Educational Gifts for Kids Aged 2 to 4
Choosing the perfect gift for a preschool-aged child can be a daunting task, especially for those who may not be familiar with how kids are at this age. You may have been invited to your coworker’s or your boss’ child’s birthday party and you just have no idea what to bring for a gift.
Kids who are 2 to 4 years old usually attend preschool. Parents of kids who attend Montessori preschools would know that at this stage, kids further refine their motor skills with some learning materials and activities in school. They also start learning about letter sounds and even start forming 3 letter words.
Also, kids this age are just very active. They love exploring the world around them and spend a lot of time outdoors.
Whether you're a single individual, childless, or simply not well-versed in what appeals to young children, fear not! We've curated a list of the best educational gifts specifically tailored for preschoolers aged 2 to 4 years old. These gifts are not only fun but also help foster their development and curiosity.
Art Materials
Kids love working and creating with their hands and art supplies are something that they absolutely love.
It’s a great idea to gift crayons, markers and paint since these run out as kids use them. Crayons break or get lost under the couch and inks run dry so art supplies will always be appreciated.
Check out this Crayola Inspiration Art Case that comes with 140 pieces of crayons, colored pencils and markers.
The Keff Paint Set is also a great gift idea. It comes with 30 items that includes washable and non-toxic paint, sponges, brushes, a palette, an apron and many more.
If you want a gift that can impress, consider the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel. This multi-purpose easel features a chalkboard, a paper roller, art supply storage and many more.
Clay or Play-Doh
Sculpting with clay or Play-Doh enhances fine motor skills and allows children to express themselves artistically. And it’s absolutely fun for little kids. You would not believe how long kids can stay focused and occupied just with a bunch of clay and molds.
Clay gets thrown out often too as they start to harden over time or get too gross to play with as dirt and dust gets stuck on them. So gifting tubs of clay and cute accessories and molds is definitely a safe bet.
Movable Alphabet
If you know that the kid goes to a Montessori preschool, then a moveable alphabet set is a great gift idea. Some kids love working on this in school and if they find out that they now have their own set at home, they will definitely be over the moon.
The moveable alphabet helps introduce early literacy to small children. With this learning material, kids start to learn letter sounds and start connecting them to form words and eventually, this leads to spelling and reading.
Books
Of course at 2 to 4 years old, kids can’t read yet but that doesn’t mean parents should not read to them.
According to UNICEF, reading together is a beautiful bonding moment between parents and children. Also, reading helps unlock children’s creativity and imagination. It improves their comprehension and knowledge about the world around them. By the time they attend pre-school, the amount of words that they know is a real sign of brain growth and development.
Of course, it’s important to give age appropriate books. As the child grows, they will learn more complicated words and grow their vocabulary.
The First Little Readers Set is a great gift idea as it includes 5 packs of books for beginner readers to more advanced readers. It also includes a reading guide for parents. If you’re a bit tight on budget, you can opt to just buy one set.
Balance Bike
As previously mentioned, kids just love moving their bodies and spending time outdoors. Additionally, letting kids spend time outside gives them good exercise and helps them release all the energy that they have.
Teaching them how to ride a bike is a great outdoor activity as it helps develop gross motor skills and coordination. Although there is nothing wrong with the traditional bike with training wheels, a balance bike (a low bike with just two wheels and no pedals) is now slowly gaining popularity as a better option for young kids.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, starting with a balance bike resulted to the early onset of independent cycling compared to kids who started with a bike with training wheels. This is due to the fact that a balance bike encourages the child to actively master how to maintain balance and turn instead of relying on the training wheels to support them.
The Strider Balance Bike is a great gift option. It’s lightweight and adjustable for young riders.
Cleaning Tools
Encourage responsibility and practical life skills with child-sized cleaning tools. Moreover, according to Natasha Bergert, a pediatrician, cleaning sets encourage real-world play that strengthens developmental skills used for social connectedness and critical thinking.
Check out the Melissa & Doug 6-Piece Pretend Play Cleaning Set which includes realistic and child sized cleaning accessories for our little helpers at home.
Montessori Tower
Toddlers love feeling independent at this age. They like doing things on their own like mixing a pancake batter in the kitchen or brushing their teeth. That is why sometimes, tantrums strike when adults try to overly control toddlers. It’s a great idea to let toddlers take the lead sometimes and let them do things on their own.
To help promote independence, a Montessori learning tower is a great educational gift idea. The tower allows small children to reach high places like the kitchen countertop or the sink safely.
The Boon Pivot Toddler Tower has a special practical feature — it’s foldable. This is the perfect gift if you know that your friend or loved one has a smaller home.
If you want the more traditional, wooden Montessori tower, then the Ocodile Toddler Standing Tower is a better option.
Musical Instruments
According to an article published in the Queensland Government website about early childhood education and care, music is one of the few activities that uses both sides of the brain (logical and creative). This means, music helps in building important brain connections. And more importantly, music is fun for kids! And fun means that their brains are more open to learning.
We found some cute and aesthetic wooden toddler musical instruments that both toddlers and parents will absolutely love.
Simple Machines and Tools
At age 3 to 4, kids start learning about simple machines and tools in preschool especially if they attend a Montessori preschool. Using tools allow toddlers to work with their hands, refine their motor skills and encourage problem solving and critical thinking.
Kids will have fun building things and figuring out how things work. Parents will also love these educational toys as they will encourage more quiet time as kids will definitely be busy with their hands and minds.
Pikler Triangle
What is a Pikler Triangle? Basically, it’s a climbing toy much like a more compact jungle gym. Child development experts explain that this physical activity encourages “risky play”.
Risky play challenges kids’ skills in unfamiliar settings. It allows kids’ to fail in a safe space. Through failing, kids learn how to try and try again and builds confidence, self esteem and resilience.
Sure, parents can always just bring their children to the playground. But we all know that parents, especially those who work full time, can sometimes be too busy to go out. So a Pikler Triangle at home can definitely be a practical option.
Give the gift of exploration that builds confidence with the Tiny Land 5 in 1 Pikler Triangle.
By selecting gifts that combine fun and education, you can provide preschoolers with enriching experiences that support their cognitive, physical, and social development. Whether it's sparking creativity through art or fostering independence with practical life skills, these gifts are sure to be a hit with both children and parents alike. Happy gifting!
